Travel Security While You're Away:

Securing your home:

1. Discuss your home coverage and coverage limits with your insurance agent and make sure any property you take will be covered.

2. Install a home security alarm system. A good system will not only protect your home and valuables while you're on vacation, but all year round. It can also reduce your home insurance premium.

3. Advise family, a trusted neighbor and police of your trip and ask a relative or friend to check your home or house-sit for you. Leave a copy of your itinerary in case of an emergency.

4. Buy a timer that will automatically turn lights on and off during evening hours.

5. Cancel newspaper service and temporarily discontinue mail delivery.

6. Arrange to have your lawn mowed and hedges and flowers trimmed and watered.

7. Arrange to have a neighbor put out and bring in trashcans on pick-up day.

8. Pay bills in advance so utility service will not be interrupted.

9. Place valuables in a safe deposit box.

10. Give your home the appearance of activity -- have a family member move cars between street, driveway and garage.

Travel safety tips:

1. Avoid a flashy wardrobe and behavior that can mark you as a tourist and try your best to avoid the appearance of affluence.

2. Leave expensive jewelry and all unnecessary credit cards at home. Bring travelers checks and one or two major credit cards instead of cash. Leave a copy of the serial numbers of your travelers checks at home.

3. In a secure location, leave an up-to-date will, insurance documents and a power of attorney.

4. Avoid pocketbooks and fanny packs which may be easy targets for thieves. Inside pockets or a shoulder bag with the strap worn across your chest are safer alternatives.

5. Do not leave money and valuables in your hotel room. Use the hotel safe.

6. If your possessions are lost or stolen, report the loss immediately to the local police. Keep a copy of the police report for insurance claims.

7. Confirm whether your personal property and health insurance covers you abroad. Even if health insurance will reimburse for medical care abroad, traditional health insurance does not pay for medical evacuation from a remote area.

8. Learn as much as you can about the local laws and customs of foreign countries you plan to visit. In addition, keep track of what is being reported in the media about recent developments in those countries.

Source: Atlantic Mutual Insurance Companies